Tottington: Dignifying Dementia helping patients and carers

Dignifying Dementia runs weekly sessions at the Welcome Inn pub on Bury Old Road in Prestwich and St John's Church on Kirklees Street in Tottington.

The events at the Welcome Inn take place on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm, where participants play games, crafts, reminisce and have a drink and biscuits.

On Wednesdays between the same hours a singing group also takes place at St John's.

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During one of the group sessions (Image: John Pearcey)

There is also a monthly carers evening which involves a meal and a drink.

John Pearcey used to work for a dementia charity in Bury but social gatherings were cancelled.

He then got together with a group of carers and ex-carers and set up social events, which led to the creation of Dignifying Dementia,

He said: "We knew that social groups are a Godsend to those living with dementia and their families."

Dignifying Dementia runs two different social groups, one called Merry Melodies and the other called Peace of Mind.

Merry Melodies offer dementia patients an opportunity to socialise and enjoy music of their choice.

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Mr Pearcey said: "Many people living with dementia can become isolated. There are many reasons for this.

"It can also happen to the family carers. Having a safe space where you know, you will be accepted and not judged is so important for everyone who attends."

One of the carers, Lesley Hayworth, worked for care service firm Homes Instead and was attending the sessions.

At the singing events, the lyrics of all the songs are printed out so the dementia patients can read them and sing along to the music.

Mr Pearcey also spoke of the health benefits of doing this

He said: "Music can stimulate the brain. We find that music stimulates our members and brings back memories.

"We had a gentleman who used to come to our singing group.

"He loved every song, but he had a favourite- when I played that, his face beamed and he sang it at the top of his voice."

Pat Gillan has dementia and attends the Merry Melodies sessions.

He said: "You know, there was one lady who used to come and was really bad with dementia.

"And she would be either humming or singing all day long non-stop."

Gillian Tattersall attended the Merry Melodies event and talked about how it helped her mum.

She added when her mum went to the session she lit up and danced and sang along to the music, despite her suffering with dementia.